CN203596185U - High-speed transmission cable - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a high-speed transmission cable (100), and the cable (100) comprises a first internal conductor (110) and a dielectric film (120). The dielectric film (120) is concentrically arranged at the periphery of at least a part of the first internal conductor (110). The dielectric film (120) is provided with a substrate layer (122) which comprises a plurality of first protrusions (124) and second protrusions (126), wherein the first and second protrusions (124, 126) are formed at the first main surface of the substrate layer (122). The first protrusions (124) are different from the second protrusions (126). The first protrusions (124) of the dielectric film (120) are disposed between the first internal conductor (110) and the substrate layer (122). The first protrusions (124) form an insulating sealing sleeve at the periphery of the first internal conductor (110).

Description

High Speed Transmission Cable

technical field

The utility model generally relates to cables for transmitting electrical signals. In particular, the present invention relates to high speed cables including a structured dielectric layer disposed adjacent to a current carrying inner conductor of the cable.

Background technique

Electrical cables for transmitting electrical signals at high speeds are well known. High speed transmission cables typically include one (or more) conductive center conductors or wires surrounded by an insulating dielectric layer. An exemplary high speed transmission cable is a coaxial cable. In coaxial cables, the conductive conductor and insulating dielectric layer may further include an outer conductor and a protective outer sheath.

The insulating dielectric layer may be composed of any material or combination of materials that electrically separates the center conductor from the other conductors within the cable. The material properties of the dielectric layer can significantly affect the transmission of electrical signals along the length of the high speed transmission cable. It is generally desirable to minimize the interaction between the electric field and the dielectric layer in order to maintain signal integrity and reduce the capacitance of the electrical signal. Capacitance slows the propagation speed of electrical signals and reduces signal strength. In addition, capacitance is a very important source of the impedance of the cable, and therefore the dielectric layer has the effect of affecting the magnitude and uniformity of the cable impedance, which is generally expected to remain constant along the length of a given insulated wire . Key electrical properties affected by the material properties of the dielectric layer include signal attenuation, signal propagation rate, capacitance per given cable length, impedance, and the uniformity of these electrical properties along the length of the cable. Instead, it may be desirable for the cable to have specified electrical characteristics, such as a known impedance value. Specifying these electrical properties will affect the structure and effective dielectric constant of the dielectric layer. The dielectric structure and dielectric constant of the material will directly affect the required thickness of the dielectric layer and thus the cable diameter, cable flexibility and related properties.

For example, the velocity of propagation (VOP) of an electrical signal along a coaxial cable relative to the velocity of the electrical signal along a conductor surrounded by air is:

$\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; VOP</span>}<span\; class="notranslate">\; =</span>\frac{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; 1</span>}}{\sqrt{{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; \&epsiv;</span>}}_{\mathrm{<span\; class="notranslate">\; eff</span>}}}}$

where ε _eff is the effective permittivity of the dielectric layer surrounding the center conductor. The dielectric constant of air is substantially equal to one, while the dielectric constant of solid dielectric materials is greater than one. In order to maximize the propagation speed of electrical signals, the effective dielectric constant of the dielectric layer should be minimized. Adding air to the dielectric layer is one way to reduce the effective dielectric constant of the dielectric layer.

Although the electrical characteristics of transmission cables generally improve as air is added to the dielectric structure, air alone (at ambient pressure) does not provide sufficient support against the The external force of the cable. Failure to support an external load at any point can cause local distortions in the spacing between the center conductor of the cable and the surrounding structure, thereby changing the distribution of electric and magnetic fields around the center conductor, which in turn produces local impedance changes that produce signal reflections and Degraded signal integrity. If these distortions are significant (such as a kink in the cable) or numerous, the cable may no longer be suitable as a high-speed transmission line. Since air alone is not sufficient support, the dielectric layer will also include a stiffer material to maintain the separation between the inner conductor of the cable and the surrounding structure.

Three dielectric layer structures that include a large amount of air surrounding the center conductor are common in the art: A) foamed and expanded polymers, B) helically wound fine monofilaments, and C) axially extruded uniform aisle.

The foamed or expanded structure may contain an air content of up to approximately 70%, resulting in an effective dielectric constant of 1.3 to 1.5. However, the stiffness of the resulting dielectric layer may be rather low and may not provide adequate support for the center conductor when a load is applied and may kink the center conductor during sharp bends. These structures tend to bend and shatter when a load is applied.

Helically wound structures typically utilize a monofilament or a deviation thereof wrapped around a center conductor. A tube of insulator is extruded onto the wrapped conductor structure. These helically wound structures can also have a low effective dielectric constant (-1.3), but they generally provide support against external forces at any point around the circumference of the center conductor at any given cross section. This single point of contact may also be insufficient to support an external load applied at any point around the circumference of the center conductor that is not immediately adjacent to the wrapped filament, which may cause localized deformation or kinks in the center conductor when it is bent and lead to attendant signal integrity issues .

A third dielectric layer structure that includes a large amount of air is a longitudinal extruded structure formed along the conductor axis with a modified extrusion tip. These extruded structures are usually in the form of uniform channels and can often result in effective dielectric constants of 1.45 or greater. However, the axial extrusion process of molten polymers is not suitable for providing small, closely spaced features because surface tension and the dynamics of such extruding liquid material cause these features to round. Additionally, the process does not readily form features that vary along the axis (ie, every cross-sectional profile is the same). Additionally, the process is limited to the material that can be extruded at the desired thickness around the conductor.

In summary, prior art dielectric structures do not have sufficient capability to provide a low effective dielectric constant with sufficient mechanical integrity and design flexibility. A need exists for a high speed transmission cable that includes a dielectric layer that contains a substantial amount of air adjacent to and around a center conductor while providing more uniform support around the center conductor, thereby creating a mechanical A dielectric layer with better stability and lower effective dielectric constant.

Utility model content

In one aspect, the present invention provides a high-speed transmission cable including an air-enriched dielectric layer. The high speed transmission cable includes a first inner conductor and a dielectric film concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the first conductor. The dielectric film has a base layer including a plurality of first protrusions and second protrusions formed on a first major surface of the base layer, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions things are different from each other. The first protrusion of the dielectric film is disposed between the first inner conductor and the base layer, the first protrusion forming an insulating envelope around the first inner conductor.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify exemplary embodiments.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an exemplary high speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

2A-2C show three isometric views of an exemplary dielectric film that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary dielectric film that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of another exemplary high speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

5A is a schematic cross-section of an exemplary dielectric film that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

5B-5C are schematic cross-sectional views of two exemplary transmission cables employing the dielectric film of FIG. 5A;

6A is a schematic cross-section of another exemplary dielectric film that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary transmission cable employing the dielectric film of FIG. 6A;

7A is a schematic cross-section of another exemplary dielectric film that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention;

7B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary transmission cable employing the dielectric film of FIG. 7A;

8A-8B are schematic cross-sectional views of two exemplary transmission cables according to an aspect of the present invention;

9A-9D show schematic cross-sectional views of a portion of four exemplary alternative high-speed transmission cables according to an aspect of the present invention; and

10A-10B show schematic cross-sectional views of portions of two exemplary alternative high-speed transmission cables according to an aspect of the present invention.

Detailed ways

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be interpreted in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is only defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is directed to a high speed transmission cable having a structured dielectric film formed around at least one inner conductor to create a power transmission line that has a higher Faster propagation speed, lower weight and smaller size (and higher density), as well as higher dielectric constant consistency and higher resistance to shattering. The structured dielectric film creates an air space around the inner conductor. In one exemplary aspect, a high speed transmission cable with a structured dielectric film can be formed around two or more inner conductors.

In another exemplary aspect, the structured dielectric film can include a base layer having first and second protrusions formed on at least a portion of one major surface, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusion are different from each other. The protrusions are disposed between the inner conductor and the base layer to form an air-rich dielectric layer surrounding the inner conductor. The addition of air to the main dielectric material of a transmission line can provide many advantages, including reduced weight, reduced losses due to the dielectric material, and a reduction in the dielectric constant of the resulting dielectric film. The reduced dielectric constant in turn increases the signal propagation rate and reduces the dielectric thickness required for a given impedance and thus transmission cables can be smaller.

A common method for adding air is to foam the insulation, but the resulting material can be easily broken and the air content is in many cases unevenly dispersed in the insulation, creating a dielectric with an inconstant dielectric constant Material. The insulating material used in the present invention is a structured dielectric film in which air is added to the transmission cable in a repetitive or structured manner. In this way, a structured dielectric film can be produced that has a lower dielectric constant than the material used to form the protrusions and/or base layer of the structured dielectric film.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a high-speed transmission cable 100 according to an aspect of the present invention. The high speed transmission cable may include a first inner conductor 110 and a dielectric film 120 concentrically disposed about at least a portion of the first inner conductor. The dielectric film has a base layer 122 including a plurality of first protrusions 124 and a plurality of second protrusions 126 formed on a first major surface of the base layer, wherein the first protrusions and The second protrusions are different from each other. The first protrusion of the dielectric film is disposed between the first inner conductor and the base layer, the first protrusion forming an insulating envelope around the first inner conductor.

The first inner conductor may be in the form of a bare conductor, metal strip or wire, a coated conductor comprising an inner conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding the inner conductive core, or a coaxial cable.

The first and second protrusions can be characterized by the geometry and critical dimensions of the protrusions. Thus, the first protrusion 124 has a first geometry characterized by a first critical dimension, and the second protrusion 126 has a second geometry characterized by a second critical dimension. The first protrusion and the second protrusion of the present invention are different from each other such that at least one of the geometry or critical dimension of the protrusions is different. For example, the first protrusions may be in the form of rectangular walls as shown in FIG. 1, while the second protrusions 126 may have a different shape, such as the continuous triangular ridges shown. Alternatively, the first and second protrusions may have the same geometry but different critical dimensions, eg the height of the protrusions or the distance the protrusions extend from the first major surface of the base layer may differ. In one exemplary aspect, the first protrusion can determine the distance between the base layer of the dielectric film and the surface of the first inner conductor, while the second protrusion can serve as a strengthening or stiffening member to help support the film in its in the desired configuration. The addition of strengthening protrusions can increase the separation between the first protrusions, thereby increasing the amount of air tightly surrounding the inner conductor.

The dielectric film 120 may have a flat flange portion 125 and a textured portion 127 disposed adjacent to the first longitudinal edge 121a of the dielectric film, and wherein the first protrusion 122 and the second protrusion 124 is disposed on the textured portion of the dielectric film. When the dielectric film is wrapped around the first inner conductor, the flange portion may overlap the textured portion of the previous wrap. In one exemplary aspect, an adhesive (not shown) may be placed on the flange portion of the dielectric film to bond each wrap to adjacent wraps of the dielectric film. The flange portion may be an integral part of the base layer 122 of the dielectric film or the flange portion may be a separate strip adhered to the base layer of the dielectric film along one longitudinal edge of the base layer. on the basal layer.

Exemplary high speed transmission cable 100 may have protective jacket 140 formed on the second major surface of dielectric film 120 .

In a first exemplary aspect, the dielectric film 120 may be longitudinally wrapped around the first inner conductor 110 such that the first longitudinal edge 121a and the second longitudinal edge 121b of the dielectric film are aligned with the first inner conductor, as shown in FIG. shown. In an alternative aspect, the dielectric film 320 may be helically wrapped around the first inner conductor 310 as shown in FIG. 4 .

2A-2C and FIG. 3 illustrate various dielectric films that may be used in a high-speed transmission cable according to an aspect of the present invention.

2A shows an isometric view of a dielectric film 220A comprising a base layer 222A having a first plurality of protrusions 224A and a plurality of second protrusions 226A formed on a first major surface thereof. . The first protrusion has a first geometry characterized by a first critical dimension, and the second protrusion has a second geometry characterized by a second critical dimension. Both the first protrusion 224A and the second protrusion 226A are in the form of continuous longitudinally extending prisms or triangular ridges. The critical dimension of the first protrusion is the height of the ridge, which will control the separation between the first inner conductor of the dielectric film 220A and the base layer. The second protrusions are smaller than the first protrusions and may serve to strengthen the base layer, preventing buckling or kinking of the dielectric film when the first protrusions are more spaced apart.

2B shows an isometric view of a dielectric film 220B comprising a base layer 222B having a plurality of first protrusions 224B and a plurality of second protrusions 226B formed on a first major surface thereof. . The first protrusion has a first geometry characterized by a first critical dimension, and the second protrusion has a second geometry characterized by a second critical dimension. The first protrusions 224B are in the form of continuous longitudinally extending ridges, while the second protrusions 226B are in the form of transversely discontinuous ridges disposed between the first protrusions. A critical dimension of the first protrusion is also the height of the longitudinal ridge, which controls the separation between the inner conductor of the dielectric film and the base layer. A size of the second protrusion may be equal to or smaller than a size of the first protrusion.

2C illustrates an isometric view of a dielectric film 220C that includes a base layer 222C having a first plurality of protrusions 224C and a plurality of second protrusions 226C formed on a first major surface thereof. The first protrusions 224C are in the form of discrete cylindrical posts, while the second protrusions 226C are in the form of continuous longitudinally extending ridges disposed between the first protrusions. A critical dimension of the first protrusion is also the height of the ridge, which controls the separation between the inner conductor of the dielectric film and the base layer. The size of the second protrusion may be equal to or smaller than that of the first protrusion.

3 is a micrograph of a cross-section of an exemplary dielectric film according to the present invention. The dielectric film has a plurality of first protrusions in the form of continuous longitudinal ridges separated from each other by a grouping of three second protrusions also in the form of continuous longitudinal ridges. One advantage of this configuration is that the dielectric film is easier to wrap around the inner conductor than a first protrusion only, since the smaller protrusions will not be as rigid in the longitudinal direction as the larger first protrusions, but still The base layer is supported between the first protrusions to prevent it from kinks or buckling. In addition, the second protrusion can be used to strengthen the first protrusion; when the aspect ratio of the first protrusion becomes larger, the second protrusion can be used to strengthen the base of the first protrusion. Additionally, when the second protrusions are shorter than the first protrusions, they will provide the transmission cable with increased resistance to crushing when localized forces are applied to the outer surface of the cable. As the dielectric film is pressed against the inner conductor, the force compressing the dielectric structure will increase when the second protrusion makes contact with the inner conductor.

The base layer of the dielectric film may be one of: an insulating film, a metal foil, a two-layer structure consisting of an insulating film and a metal layer, or another multilayer material. An exemplary multilayer material may have a buried conductive layer between two insulating layers. Another exemplary multilayer material may have multiple conductive layers separated by insulating layers. In one exemplary aspect, the base layer of the dielectric film is a continuous sheet of material, while in another aspect, the base layer may be a perforated sheet of material.

The dielectric film can be formed by a variety of processes known in the art, including extrusion, embossing, casting, lamination, and molding processes. The base layer and protrusions may be formed simultaneously by an extrusion process using a suitable die profile from a molten processable dielectric material (eg, a thermoplastic resin). The protrusions and base layer may be formed from a single material when produced using an extrusion process, or the base layer may be formed from a first material and the protrusions from a second material when a co-extrusion process is used.

Alternatively, the protrusions of the dielectric film can be produced by embossing the protrusions into the base layer. The base layer can be a film base of a dielectric material that softens at elevated temperatures, or a partially cured dielectric that can cross-link after the film base comes into contact with the imprint platen or mold on which the protrusions are formed. electrical material. When using an embossing process, these protrusions and the base layer will be formed from a single material.

In another alternative aspect, molten disposable dielectric material or curable dielectric material may be dispensed onto a textured mold or roll. After cooling or solidifying, the material can be removed from the mold or roll, resulting in a dielectric film. In this way, the base layer and protrusions can be formed simultaneously. In an alternative aspect, a prefabricated film substrate can be used as the base layer. A molten processable dielectric material or a curable dielectric material may be dispensed between the substrate layer and the textured mold or roll. After cooling or solidifying, the material can be removed from the mold or roll, resulting in a dielectric film. As such, the protrusions may be formed from the same material as the base layer or may be a different material. For example, the protrusions can be formed by casting a curable monomer or prepolymer between the mold and the existing base layer film, followed by UV or heat curing.

Exemplary preformed film substrates for the base layer may include polyimide films, polyester films, polyolefin films, fluoropolymer films, polycarbonate films, polyethylene naphthalate films, terpolymer films, Propylene rubber film, liquid crystal polymer film, polyvinyl chloride film, etc. In an exemplary aspect, the prefabricated film substrate for the base layer can be a metallized polymer film, such as a metallized polyimide or polyester film. Alternatively, the base layer can be a metal foil (eg, copper foil) or other planar conductive material that can be used as a base for forming the dielectric film. In yet another aspect, the base layer may be a material comprised of two or more separate layers that are laminated together to form the striated base layer.

When the base layer is a metal foil or includes a metallic or conductive sublayer, the sublayer can serve as a ground plane when used to form a high speed transmission cable. Integrating the ground plane into the dielectric film eliminates the need for a separate additional ground plane and may also eliminate some or all of the dielectric material between the center conductor and the ground plane, for example when the substrate layer consists of only metal foil or The case when the first major surface of the base layer on which the protrusions are formed is metal. In either of these two aspects, the dielectric properties of the film are derived from protrusions and air disposed between the metal surface of the base layer and the inner conductor.

Exemplary melt-disposable dielectric materials include polyolefin resins, fluoropolymer resins, polycarbonate resins, nylon resins, thermoplastic elastomer resins, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resins, polyester resins, and liquid crystal polymers resin.

Exemplary curable dielectric materials include thermosetting resins including epoxies, silicones, and acrylates, or crosslinkable prepolymers.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a high-speed transmission cable 300 according to an aspect of the present invention. The transmission cable 300 may include: a stranded first inner conductor 310 comprising a plurality of smaller sized bare metal wires; and a dielectric film 320 helically wrapped around the first inner conductor. The dielectric film has a base layer 322 including a plurality of first protrusions 324 and a plurality of second protrusions 326 formed on a first major surface of the base layer, wherein the first protrusions and The second protrusions are different from each other. The first protrusions 324 are in the form of discrete cylindrical posts, while the second protrusions 226 are in the form of continuous longitudinally extending ridges disposed between the first protrusions. The critical dimension of the first protrusion is the height of the post which controls the separation between the inner first conductor of the dielectric film and the base layer, the first protrusion being an insulating envelope around the first inner conductor.

The high speed transmission cable 300 may further include a shielding layer 350 disposed on the helically wrapped dielectric film. The shielding layer can help ground the transmission cable, help control the impedance of the cable, and prevent electromagnetic interference emissions from the cable. The shielding layer may be in the form of a metal foil or a braided or woven metal layer which is provided over the dielectric layer wrapped around the first inner conductor.

Additionally, high speed transmission cable 300 may have a protective jacket 340 formed over shielding layer 350 .

5A shows a cross-section of an exemplary dielectric film 420 having a base layer 422 with a thinned portion 423 along the centerline of the dielectric film extending longitudinally along the length of the film. into the paper. The dielectric film is formed with a plurality of first protrusions 424 on the first main surface of the dielectric film on either side of the thinned portion, and on the first main surface of the thinned portion 423 of the base layer. Two second protrusions 426 are formed on the surface to form a designed curved area in the dielectric film.

5B and 5C illustrate how a dielectric film can be helically wrapped around the first inner conductor 410 . For a helically wrapped inner conductor, it may be necessary to conform the outer wrap around the edge of the previous wrap, as shown in Figure 5B, by creating steps (not shown) in the dielectric film itself, or by providing sufficient flexible dielectric film. This flexibility can be an intrinsic property of the dielectric film based on the materials used, or it can be engineered into the structure of the dielectric film by choosing a thickness or protrusion shape and size that imparts more conformability. The addition of the thinned portion 423 imparts increased flexibility to the film along the midline of the dielectric film. The second protrusion 426 formed in the thinned portion can help control the bowing of the dielectric film. In particular, the second protrusions 426 may contact each other to prevent the dielectric film from bending too sharply or kinking in the designed bending region of the dielectric film.

FIG. 5B shows the dielectric film helically wrapped around the inner conductor 410 with an overlapping area 428 of about twenty-five percent. The first protrusion 424a provides an offset between the base layer 422 on the first wrapping level 429a and the inner conductor 410, while the first protrusion 424b provides an offset between the base layer on the first wrapping level 429a and the base layer on the second wrapping level 429b. Offset between bottom layers. The second protrusion helps to control bowing in the thinned portion of the dielectric film. In one exemplary aspect, adhesive may be placed in the overlap region to hold the wrapped dielectric material in place.

FIG. 5C shows the dielectric film helically wrapped around the inner conductor 410 with an overlap area 428 of about fifty percent. The first protrusion 424a provides an offset between the base layer 422 on the first wrapping level 429a and the inner conductor 410, while the first protrusion 424b provides an offset between the base layer on the first wrapping level 429a and the base layer on the second wrapping level 429b. Offset between bottom layers. The second protrusion helps control the bow in the thinned portion of the dielectric film and controls the spacing of the wraps.

6A shows a cross-section of an exemplary dielectric film 520 having a base layer 522 having a plurality of first protrusions formed on a portion of a first major surface of the dielectric film. 524 and a plurality of second protrusions 526 formed on a second portion of the first major surface of the base layer. The first protrusion has a narrower profile than the second protrusion, which allows more air to exist near the inner conductor when the dielectric film is helically wrapped around the inner conductor as shown in FIG. 6B.

In FIG. 6B , the dielectric film 520 may be helically wrapped around the inner conductor 510 with an overlap area 528 of about fifty percent. The first protrusion 524 provides an offset between the base layer 522 on the first wrapping level 529a and the inner conductor 510, while the second protrusion 526 provides the offset between the second major surface of the base layer on the first wrapping level 529a and the second wrapping. Offset between base layers of grade 529b.

7A shows a cross-section of an exemplary dielectric film 620 similar to the dielectric film 420 shown in FIG. 5A, except that the dielectric film 620 includes a plurality of third protrusion 634 . In the overlapping region 628 of the helically wrapped dielectric film, the third protrusion 634 may cooperate with the first protrusion 624, as shown in FIG. 7B.

8A and 8B show two variant forms 700, 800 of another embodiment of an exemplary high-speed transmission cable according to the present invention. The transmission cables 700, 800 can be classified as twinax cables (also known as twinax cables), where the two inner conductors 710a, 710b and 810a, 810b respectively are placed side by side within the cable. The structured dielectric film 720, 820 surrounding the inner conductor supports and strongly interacts with the electric field as the current travels along the cable. As such, the electrical properties of the dielectric film, such as dielectric constant and loss, are critical to the signal speed and signal integrity of the transmission cable. These twinax cable configurations can result in increased signal propagation velocity, lower losses, and lower capacitance, enabling smaller diameter transmission cables for the same impedance compared to conventional cable designs. Since parallel twinaxial conductors are the basic structure for data transmission lines, it is necessary to manufacture this structure in a cost-effective, efficient manner while maintaining excellent transmission line characteristics as well as the mechanical properties of the transmission cable.

An exemplary high-speed transmission cable 700 is shown in FIG. 8A . Transmission cable 700 includes two parallel inner conductors 710a, 710b defining a longitudinal axis of the transmission cable and a structured dielectric film 720 disposed at least partially concentrically around the inner conductors. These inner conductors may be: a coated conductor comprising an inner conductive core 712 and an insulating layer 714 surrounding the inner conductive core; or a sheathed coaxial cable to ensure that they are electrically isolated from each other.

The dielectric film 720 includes a base layer 722 having an integral flange portion 725 and a textured portion formed along a first longitudinal edge 721a of the base layer. The textured portion includes a plurality of first protrusions 724 formed on the first major surface of the base layer and two larger second protrusions 726 also formed in contact with the base layer. Adjacent the second longitudinal edge 721b is on the first major surface of the substrate layer and along the centerline of the substrate layer. The first protrusion 724 provides an offset between the base layer 722 and the inner conductors 710a, 710b. The second protrusion 726 may serve as a spacer and/or positioning element between the inner conductors 710a, 710b when a dielectric film is wrapped around the pair of inner conductors.

The flange portion 725 may overlap the textured portion of the dielectric film when the dielectric film is wrapped around the pair of inner conductors. In one exemplary aspect, an adhesive (not shown) may be placed on the flange portion of the dielectric film to secure the dielectric film around the inner conductor.

The high speed transmission cable 700 can further include a shield 750, which can help ground the transmission cable, help control the impedance of the cable, and prevent electromagnetic interference emissions from the cable. The shielding layer may be in the form of a metal foil, braided or woven metal layer which is provided over the dielectric film wrapped inner conductor.

Additionally, high speed transmission cable 700 may have a protective jacket 740 formed over shielding layer 750 .

An exemplary high-speed transmission cable 800 is shown in FIG. 8B . Transmission cable 800 includes two parallel inner conductors 810a, 810b defining a longitudinal axis of the transmission cable, and a structured dielectric film 820 disposed at least partially concentrically around the inner conductors. These inner conductors may be: bare conductors, coated conductors, or coaxial cables, the coated conductors comprising an inner conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding the inner conductive core.

The dielectric film 820 includes a base layer 822, which may have a flange portion 825 disposed along a first longitudinal edge 821a of the base layer, and a textured portion, wherein the flange portion may be along an edge of the dielectric film. A separate component attached to the second major surface of the dielectric film along one longitudinal edge. In one exemplary aspect, the flange portion may be a strip that extends along one longitudinal edge of the dielectric film prior to wrapping the dielectric film around the inner conductor. After the dielectric film has been wrapped around the inner conductor, the free side of the flange portion of the strap may be attached to the second major surface of the dielectric film along the second longitudinal edge 821b. The textured portion includes a plurality of first protrusions 824 formed on the first major surface of the base layer and two larger interlocking protrusions 826a, 826b also formed on the base layer on the first major surface of . One of the interlocking protrusions 826b can be formed adjacent to the second longitudinal edge 821b of the base layer, while the other 826a of the interlocking protrusions can be formed along the centerline of the base layer. The first protrusion 824 provides an offset between the base layer 822 and the inner conductors 810a, 810b. The interlocking protrusions 826a, 826b interlock to secure at least a portion of the dielectric film around at least one of the inner conductors. Additionally, when a dielectric film is wrapped around the pair of inner conductors, the protrusions 826a, 826b may act as spacers between the inner conductors 810a, 810b to prevent direct contact between the inner conductors.

The flange portion 825 may overlap the textured portion of the dielectric film when the dielectric film is wrapped around the pair of inner conductors. In one exemplary aspect where the flange portion is formed from a strip, the flange portion may secure the dielectric film around the inner conductor.

The high speed transmission cable 800 may further include a shield 850, which may help ground the transmission cable, help control the impedance of the cable, and prevent electromagnetic interference emissions from the cable. The shielding layer may be in the form of a metal foil, braided or woven metal layer disposed over the dielectric layer wrapped around the first inner conductor.

Additionally, high speed transmission cable 800 may have a protective jacket 840 formed over shielding layer 850 .

9A to 9D show four additional variants 900A to 900D of the twinaxial high-speed transmission cable according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9A, a high speed transmission cable 900A includes two parallel inner conductors 910A defining a longitudinal axis of the transmission cable, and a structured dielectric film 920A. The dielectric film is at least partially concentrically disposed about the inner conductors such that a section 921A of the dielectric film is disposed between the two parallel inner conductors. The dielectric film includes a base layer 922A having a plurality of first protrusions 924A formed on a first major surface of the base layer. In addition, the dielectric film 920A may have one or more secondary protrusions 926A formed on the first major surface of the base layer. The secondary protrusions can be used to secure the segment 921A of the dielectric film between the two inner conductors.

Similarly, the high-speed transmission cables 900B, 900C shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C include different forms of second protrusions 926B, 926C to secure segments 921B, 921C of the dielectric film 920B, 920C to the pair of inner conductors. between. In particular, Figure 9B shows a dielectric film in which the second protrusions 926B are in the form of continuous triangular ridges. Protrusion 926B may additionally facilitate wrapping the dielectric film around the inner conductor by directing the edge of the dielectric film under the inner conductor where shielding layer 950 and a protective sheath (not shown) are formed at After the dielectric encases the inner conductors, these edges will be confined there. Figure 9C shows how the free end of the dielectric film 920C can be trapped between two facing second protrusions 926C when the dielectric film is wrapped around the pair of inner conductors.

9D, a high speed transmission cable 900D includes two parallel inner conductors 910D defining a longitudinal axis of the transmission cable, a structured dielectric film 920D at least partially concentrically disposed about the inner conductors, wherein a segment 921D of the dielectric film is disposed between these two parallel inner conductors. The dielectric film 920D includes a base layer 922D having a plurality of first protrusions 924D formed on a first major surface of the base layer. The dielectric film 920D may have a set of second protrusions 926D formed on the first major surface of the base layer along a centerline 996 of the dielectric film and a plurality of third protrusions 927D disposed adjacent a longitudinal edge of the dielectric film . The second protrusion 926D and the third protrusion 927D have shapes designed to cooperate with each other to secure the segment 921D between the pair of inner conductors.

Optionally, the transmission cables may include at least one additional longitudinal member 966A-966D extending parallel to the inner conductor as shown in Figures 9A-9D. In an exemplary aspect, the additional longitudinal member may be in the form of a drain wire extending parallel to the plurality of spaced inner conductors. Alternatively, the additional longitudinal members may be optical conductors, spacers, strength members, or additional conductors.

FIG. 10A shows an exemplary embodiment of a high-speed transmission cable 1000A according to an aspect of the present invention. The high speed transmission cable comprises two parallel inner conductors 1010A defining a longitudinal axis of the transmission cable, a first dielectric film 1020A at least partially concentrically disposed about the inner conductors, at least partially concentrically disposed about the inner conductors, and a first A second dielectric film 1030A opposite the dielectric film, and a pinched portion 1050A joining the first dielectric film and the second dielectric film. These inner conductors may be: bare conductors in the form of metal strips or wires, coated conductors comprising an inner conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding the inner conductive core, or coaxial cables.

The first dielectric film 1020A includes a first edge 1021a and a second edge 1021b longitudinally aligned with the inner conductor 1010A. The first dielectric film includes a base layer 1022A having a plurality of first protrusions 1024A formed on a first major surface of the base layer, wherein the first dielectric film may be configured such that the base layer is partially connected to the inner conductor concentric and wherein a portion of the first protrusion is disposed in a region between the inner conductor and the base layer, the base layer and the inner conductor being concentric.

The second dielectric film 1030A may be similar to the first dielectric film 1020A in that the second dielectric film includes a first edge 1031a and a second edge 1031b longitudinally aligned with the inner conductor 1010A. The second dielectric film includes a base layer 1032A having a plurality of first protrusions 1034A formed on a first major surface of the base layer. The second dielectric film may be disposed concentric with the inner conductor portion, opposite the first dielectric film, such that the base layer of the second dielectric film is partially concentric with the inner conductor and wherein the first protrusion of the second dielectric film A portion of the second dielectric film is disposed between the inner conductor and the base layer in a region concentric with the base layer and the inner conductor.

The first dielectric film 1020A and the second dielectric film 1030A may further include at least one larger second protrusion 1026A, 1036A formed along the centerline of the first major surface of each base layer, respectively. When the first dielectric film 1020A and the second dielectric film 1030A are arranged at least partially concentric with respect to the inner conductor, the second protrusions 1026A, 1036A may serve as spacers between the inner conductors 1010A. Alternatively, the second protrusion may serve as an alignment element to facilitate assembly of the high speed transmission cable.

The base layer 1022A of the first dielectric film 1020A may include a plurality of sublayers. Specifically, the base layer 1022A includes three sublayers: an insulating sublayer 1023 having first and second protrusions formed on its first major surface; a metal sublayer 1027 disposed adjacent to the insulating sublayer; the second major surface of the layer; and a protective insulating or sheathing sublayer 1028 disposed over the metal sublayer. The metal sublayer can act as a shield to help ground the high speed transmission cable; can help control the impedance of the cable and prevent electromagnetic interference emissions from the cable. The second dielectric film 1032A may have a configuration similar to that of the first dielectric film. Alternatively, the first and second dielectric films may include any number of layers consisting of a combination of insulating and conducting materials.

The pinch portion extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner conductor and forms an insulating envelope around the inner conductor by joining the first dielectric film 1020A and the second dielectric film 1030A. The first and second dielectric films of transmission cable 1000A may be joined together by interlocking the protrusions of the first dielectric film with the protrusions of the second dielectric film in the pinch portion; an adhesive between the first dielectric film and the second dielectric film; or by fusion bonding the first and second dielectric films at sufficient temperature and pressure to cause the protrusions to melt and flow together to A bonded region is formed in the pinched portion.

Figure 10B shows an alternative transmission cable 1000B in which the second protrusion 1026B of the first dielectric film 1020B interlocks with the second protrusion 1036B of the second dielectric film 1030B. As shown, these protrusions can be used to join the first and second dielectric films and separate the inner conductors.

In one exemplary aspect, a transmission cable structure as described above may be combined with one or more similar cable structures to form a higher order structured cable for use in a cable assembly. The higher order cables or assemblies may have electrical and mechanical performance advantages compared to cables with individual subunits.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments intended to achieve the same purpose can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternative and/or equivalent implementations may replace the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein. Those skilled in the mechanical, electromechanical, and electrical fields will readily appreciate that the invention can be practiced in numerous embodiments. This patent application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is obvious that the utility model is limited only by the claims of the utility model and their equivalents.

Next is an exemplary embodiment of a high-speed transmission cable according to aspects of the present invention.

Embodiment 1 is a high speed transmission cable comprising a first inner conductor and a dielectric film comprising a base layer comprising a plurality of first first conductors formed on a first major surface of the base layer. a protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are different, and wherein at least a portion of the dielectric film is concentric with the inner conductor such that the first protrusion is disposed at the second Between an inner conductor and the base layer, the first protrusion forms an insulating envelope around the first inner conductor.

Embodiment 2 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein the dielectric film is wrapped longitudinally around the first inner conductor.

Embodiment 3 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein the dielectric film is helically wrapped around the first inner conductor.

Embodiment 4 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein said first base layer of first dielectric material is selected from one of the following: an insulating film, a metal foil, a double layer of insulating film and a metal layer layer structures, and other multilayer combinations of insulating and conducting layers.

Embodiment 5 is the transmission cable of any one of the previous embodiments, further comprising a protective insulating layer disposed on the second major surface of the dielectric film.

Embodiment 6 is the transmission cable of embodiment 5, further comprising an outer conductor disposed between at least one of the protective insulating layer and the first dielectric film and the protective insulating layer and the second dielectric film.

Embodiment 7 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, further comprising at least one additional longitudinal member extending parallel to the first inner conductor.

Embodiment 8 is the transmission cable of embodiment 7, wherein the at least one additional longitudinal member is one of: a ground conductor, an optical conductor, a strength member, and an additional conductor.

Embodiment 9 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein the base layer of the dielectric material includes a thinned portion.

Embodiment 10 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein the first protrusion has a first geometry characterized by a first critical dimension and the second protrusion has a shape characterized by a second critical dimension Second geometry.

Embodiment 11 is the transmission cable of embodiment 10, wherein the first critical dimension of the first protrusion is greater than the second critical dimension of the second protrusion.

Embodiment 12 is the transmission cable of embodiment 10, wherein the first geometry of the first protrusion is one of: a post, a continuous ridge, a discontinuous ridge, a bump, and a cone .

Embodiment 13 is the transmission cable of embodiment 10, wherein the second geometry of the second protrusion is one of: a post, a continuous ridge, a discontinuous ridge, a bump, and a cone .

Embodiment 14 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, further comprising a plurality of third protrusions formed on a portion of the second major surface of the base layer, wherein when the dielectric film is wrapped around the first conductor, the third protrusions At least a portion of one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion interlocks with the third protrusion.

Embodiment 15 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, wherein the dielectric film has a flat flange portion and a textured portion, wherein the first and second protrusions are disposed on the textured portion.

Embodiment 16 is the transmission cable of embodiment 15, wherein the flat flange portion is integrally formed with the dielectric film.

Embodiment 17 is the transmission cable of embodiment 15, wherein the flat flange portion is laminated along at least one longitudinal edge of the dielectric film.

Embodiment 18 is the transmission cable of embodiment 15, wherein the flat flange portion is positioned over a portion of the dielectric film when the dielectric film is wrapped around the first inner conductor.

Embodiment 19 is the transmission cable of embodiment 1, further comprising a second inner conductor disposed adjacent to the first inner conductor and contained within the insulating envelope.

Embodiment 20 is the cable of embodiment 19, wherein the dielectric film is longitudinally wrapped around the first and second inner conductors, wherein a portion of the dielectric film is disposed between the first inner conductor and the second inner conductor. between the second inner conductor.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments intended to achieve the same purpose can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternative and/or equivalent implementations may supersede the specific embodiments shown and described. Those skilled in the mechanical, electromechanical and electronic fields will readily understand that the present invention can be implemented in numerous embodiments. This patent application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is obvious that the utility model is limited only by the claims of the utility model and their equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. a high-speed transfer cable, comprising:

The first inner conductor, and

Dielectric film, described dielectric film comprises basalis, described basalis comprises multiple the first protrusions on the first first type surface that is formed at described basalis and the second protrusion and is formed at multiple the 3rd protrusions in the part of contrary the second first type surface of described basalis, wherein said the first protrusion is different with described the second protrusion, and

At least a portion of wherein said dielectric film is concentric with described inner conductor, described the first protrusion is arranged between described the first inner conductor and described basalis, described the first protrusion forms insulated envelope around described the first inner conductor, and described in wherein in the time that dielectric film is wrapped in around described the first conductor, at least a portion and described the 3rd protrusion of one of first and second protrusions interlocks.

2. transmission cable according to claim 1, wherein said dielectric film is longitudinally wrapped in around described the first inner conductor.

3. transmission cable according to claim 1, wherein said dielectric film is wrapped in around described the first inner conductor spirally.

4. a high-speed transfer cable, comprising:

The first inner conductor, and

Dielectric film, described dielectric film comprises basalis, and described basalis comprises multiple the first protrusions and the second protrusion on the first first type surface that is formed at described basalis, and wherein said the first protrusion is different with described the second protrusion, and

At least a portion of wherein said dielectric film is concentric with described inner conductor, described the first protrusion is arranged between described the first inner conductor and described basalis, described the first protrusion forms insulated envelope around described the first inner conductor, wherein the described basalis of dielectric material comprises attenuation part, and wherein the first protrusion is formed on the either side of described attenuation part, described the second protrusion is formed in described attenuation part.

5. transmission cable according to claim 1, wherein said the first protrusion has the first geometry take the first critical size as feature, and described the second protrusion has the second geometry take the second critical size as feature.

6. transmission cable according to claim 5, described first critical size of wherein said the first protrusion is greater than described second critical size of described the second protrusion.

7. transmission cable according to claim 5, described first geometry of wherein said the first protrusion is the one in following: post, continuous ridge, discontinuous ridge, bump, and cone.

8. transmission cable according to claim 5, described second geometry of wherein said the second protrusion is the one in following: post, continuous ridge, discontinuous ridge, bump, and cone.

9. transmission cable according to claim 1, further comprises the second inner conductor, and described the second inner conductor is disposed adjacent to described the first inner conductor and is contained in described insulated envelope.

10. cable according to claim 9, wherein said dielectric film is longitudinally wrapped in around described the first and second inner conductors, and a part for wherein said dielectric film is arranged between described the first inner conductor and described the second inner conductor.

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